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The FRIENDS for Life Program for Mexican Girls Living in an Orphanage: A Pilot Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2012

Julia Gallegos ,
Alejandra Rodríguez ,
Graciela Gómez ,
Marisol Rabelo  and
Mónica Fernanda Gutiérrez
Julia Gallegos*
Affiliation:
University of Monterrey, Mexico
Alejandra Rodríguez
Affiliation:
University of Monterrey, Mexico
Graciela Gómez
Affiliation:
University of Monterrey, Mexico
Marisol Rabelo
Affiliation:
University of Monterrey, Mexico
Mónica Fernanda Gutiérrez
Affiliation:
University of Monterrey, Mexico
*
Address for correspondence: Julia Gallegos, Center for Treatment and Research on Anxiety (CETIA), University of Monterrey, Mexico. E-mail: gallegosjulia@gmail.com
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Abstract

Anxiety and depression are common problems experienced by children and adolescents that, without an effective intervention, can lead to a series of negative consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness the Spanish version of the FRIENDS for Life program (Barrett, 2008a, 2008b), a social and emotional skills program that uses cognitive-behavioural techniques for the prevention and early intervention of anxiety and depression. The program was implemented at the selective level of prevention with girls living at an orphanage in Mexico. Participants received the program for 10 consecutive weeks, and pretest and post-test measures were administered. Measures evaluated participants’ anxiety and depressive symptoms and risk status, proactive coping skills, levels of self-concept, self-esteem, and optimism. Social validity was also assessed. Results showed positive changes particularly in optimism and self-concept. Particular items and subscales of the measures also reported statistically significant changes, such as a decrease in worry, physiological symptoms of anxiety, and negative mood, and an increase in self-esteem at home and with peers. Participants evaluated the program as enjoyable and useful. Implications of the findings and further research are discussed.

Keywords

selective preventionanxietydepressionorphanageresilience
Type
Standard Papers
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 29 , Issue 1 , March 2012 , pp. 1 - 14
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2012

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